2013 Polaris RZR S 800: A Solid Choice Among UTVs

It’s finally that time of year again: ATV season. The weather is getting to be just right for riding the powerful four-wheel vehicles, and if you’re in the market for a new purchase to celebrate, there’s a new Polaris machine that deserves your attention.

The 2013 Polaris Ranger RZR S 800 is a side-by-side machine that falls somewhere in the middle of the UTV spectrum. It’s powerful enough to provide a solid amount of oomph for accelerating in wide open spaces, but it has features that lend well to tighter confines.

Power

At the heart of the 2013 Polaris RZR S 800 is a 760cc, high-output engine. The water-cooled, four-stroke motor produces up to 55 horsepower and can go from zero to 35 miles per hour in just under four seconds.

The engine is located behind the seat, propelling the machine with a smooth transmission and clutch engagement. Changing from two-wheel-drive to all-wheel-drive can be done on the fly, so you don’t have to miss a beat when you’re navigating the great outdoors.

Style

2013 Polaris Ranger RZR S 800 Limited Edition Colors

You can achieve a smooth ride on the 2013 Polaris RZR S 800 thanks to a 77-inch wheelbase and an overall wide stance. It also features a rear weight bias and low center of gravity. Although the cockpit is a bit on the smaller side, an adjustable passenger grab bar and tilted steering wheel accommodate riders of all sizes with ease.

With a dry weight of 1,022 pounds, the UTV is more than capable of providing a sturdy machine for all levels of motorists. The agility is quite impressive, as front and rear sway bars help to cut down on the amount of excess movement or vibrations at any given moment during the riding experience. Available in a variety of colors; including a Limited-Edition Sunset Red, Two-tone blue/orange and Two-tone orange/white; the Polaris UTV is one that will have you feeling slick as you make your way across the trails.

Final Thoughts – Ideal For Any Environment

Whether you’re taking the 2013 Polaris RZR S 800 for a spin around the sprawling wilderness or testing the very limits of your skills in a more compact environment, the machine can satisfy your needs. Drivers who will be doing most of their riding in sandy areas can take advantage of the On-Demand True All Wheel Drive, which securely grips the ground.

Ultimately, this Polaris UTV probably isn’t for riders who want a high-speed adventure. It is, however, ideal for young enthusiasts, beginners or people who will be mostly restricted to maneuvering in smaller spaces.

2013 Polaris Ranger RZR S 800 Image Gallery

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2013 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO: A Great First ATV

When it comes to buying an ATV for a kid, you can never be too careful. Finding the perfect balance between power and safety is critical, and parents can go months without encountering the right vehicle. Luckily, I’ve stumbled onto the 2013 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO, the latest in a long line of great utility vehicles from the manufacturer.

If you’re searching for an ATV that’s safe for kids but fun enough for a motorist of any age, then you’ll definitely want to look at the 2013 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO. The no-frills machine is ideal for youngsters learning how to ride, but it packs enough power and special features to make any riding experience a good one.

Four Stroke Engine – With Power, Less Is More

The single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine on the 2013 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO has a displacement of 498cc. While is about 150cc smaller than most utility vehicles, that’s certainly not a bad thing. Because the utility vehicle is on the smaller side, the motor gets the job done, providing adequate power for riding and light tasks. The lower power is ideal for kids who are at the beginning of their motorsports careers, as it can help keep them safe as they learn the ins and outs of handling ATVs.

You may not be able to use the Sportsman for heavy-duty labor, but the towing capacity is high enough that you can still get work done. It can tow up to 1,500 pounds – higher than average ATVs – which more than makes up for the maximum rear rack cargo capacity, which caps out at 180 pounds.

Other Specifications – Dominate The Trails

The 2013 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO comes with all-wheel drive and hydraulic disk brakes to help riders conquer any type of terrain. A fuel capacity of 4.1 gallons and an automatic transmission, as well as a radiator that has been reconfigured to stay out the mud, helps to keep motorists on the trails longer. The 11.25-inch clearance is also slightly higher than average, enabling riders to steer clear of boulders or other obstacles that could damage the underside of the vehicle while still dominating the trails.

Final Thoughts – Loads of Special Features

Available in green and red, as well as a few limited edition colors, the Sportsman comes with a body style that is sleek and aggressive, but also leaves open sight lines and easy-to-use storage for the rider. To top it all off, the 2013 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO starts at a much lower price than similar 2-Up machines, leaving you with some room in the budget to invest in the top safety ATV gear and make upgrades later on.

2013 Polaris Sportsman 500 H.O. Image Gallery

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2013 Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE:
Perfect For Passing On The Family Tradition

Like any dad, I’m always looking for ways to share experiences and interests with my kids. This extends to my love of ATVs and motorsports, but I have to keep an eye out for youth-friendly machines that will encourage their interest in the world of off-roading without pushing them too hard.

The Yamaha Grizzly line has been around for quite some time and is one of the most trusted names in ATVs. Its latest ride, the 2013 Yamaha Grizzly 700 FI Auto. 4×4 EPS Special Edition, was generating some positive buzz and piqued my interest. I decided to give the machine a shot to see if it’s right for my family, and I’m glad I did, because I could definitely see investing in this ATV in the future.

Engine, Transmission And Chassis

The 2013 Grizzly model has the coveted title of the most powerful Grizzly ever, with a 686cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine. As if that’s not enough, the machine also boasts an Ultramatic transmission that is among the most advanced systems offered in modern-day ATVs, and it has an easy method of switching between two- and four-wheel drive.

Other Features And Specs

Weighing in at 648 pounds, the machine is sturdy, but the aluminum wheels and speed-sensitive EPS system limit the effort needed to steer the ATV in any environment – perfect for young children who may not have as much experience or strength behind the wheel. It features the best power-to-weight ratio of any Yamaha product, so if you’re looking at this line of machines, that may be something to consider. A 9.2:1 compression ratio also means that the Grizzly can run on lower grades of gas, and while I would recommend using a premium quality fuel for the best performance, the ability to cut down on the cost of gas when training youths on the machine is a plus.

The perfect youth machine

With plenty of power and safety features, the Yamaha Grizzly 700 SE is ideal for kids who are still newcomers to the world of motorsports. They’ll certainly like the way it looks, as the “tactical black” paint jobs looks rugged and a little military-esque. Parents will appreciate that it’s very low-maintenance and has a small turning radius, so it can be easily stored for weekend riding or used as a training machine. It can handle any kind of terrain, which is great if you’re not sure what type of adventures or off-roading your kids will be into or if you want to use it for a variety of riding.

2013 Yamaha Grizzly 700 Special Edition Image Gallery

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2013 Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900 H.O. Jagged X Edition:
Powerful Side-By-Side, Built To Race

If you’re in the market for a powerful side-by-side ATV, you should check out the 2013 Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900 HO Jagged X Edition. This limited-edition ride is built to race, and Polaris is touting it as the most powerful, comfortable and premium RZR the company has ever built. The body of this model may seem familiar, as it was based on the RZR XP4 900 four-seater. However, with a one-of-a-kind engine, custom racing seats and a slew of advanced features, the side-by-side outperforms its predecessors in nearly every category.

Power

Polaris sets the Jagged X Edition apart from the rest of the RZR lineup right off the bat by equipping it with an engine that cannot be found in any of the other models. The brand new High-Output ProStar 900 churns out an impressive 94 horsepower, but perhaps most notable is that the Jagged X matches the standard XP 900 in terms of acceleration, despite having a larger chassis. It also outperforms the XP4 by a whopping 18 percent. Polaris also made a few adjustments to the UTV’s parts and inner workings, including new intake and exhaust cams as well as stiffer valve springs. The high performance SLP exhaust features dual flow outlets that improve performance.

Comfort

Since the Jagged X model takes much of its cues from the four-seater, you’ll find you have ample leg room in the side-by-side. Polaris essentially took the rear seats out of the large chassis and replaced them with two PRP racing seats. The wheelbase of the Jagged X is 26 inches longer than that of the standard XP 900, which provides a smoother ride and doesn’t leave you feeling cramped up after a long ride. The bucket-style driver’s seat has a 3-inch adjustment range, so you can find the most comfortable position, whether you’re short or tall.

Premium features

Not only is the Jagged X more powerful and comfortable than other models, it’s also overflowing with special features – just like you might expect from a limited edition UTV. While the ride was designed to be raced, Polaris also anticipated that some races might require you to have some supplies on hand. That’s why there are lockable, weather-sealed double storage compartments in the rear cab area that can be removed if you would prefer to lighten your load. You may also be pleased to know the Voodoo Blue paint is unique to the Jagged X, as is the standard graphics package. The beadlock rims on the tires are painted to match the body as well.

2013 Polaris RZR XP 900 H.O. Jagged X Edition Image Gallery

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2014 Honda Pioneer Replaces Big Red

Honda recently unveiled its 2014 lineup of motorcycles, ATVs and off-road bikes, and among the new family is the Pioneer 700-4. This UTV stands out from the crowd because it offers the best of both worlds  - the UTV, which looks suspiciously like Honda’s two-seater Big Red, actually has a second set of seats in the rear that fold down individually into the bed. Now you can bring along an extra friend or two when you go out for a day trip into the wilderness and still have room for your supplies, making the model a real “pioneer” of advancement in the ATV world.

The new four-wheeler is actually a replacement for the Big Red, which is why it looks a lot like the side-by-side. In fact, the two models are approximately the same size, which helps the Pioneer stand out even more from other UTVs and ATVs that seat up to four people. Most four-seat rides are longer to compensate for the extra row of seats, but in the Pioneer, the second row just sits where the storage would usually be. Don’t worry about not being able to bring everything you need either – the Pioneer can haul up to 1,000 pounds of cargo or tow 1,500 pounds, making as versatile as you need it to be.

To provide enough power, Honda equipped the Pioneer with a 700cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine that uses fuel injection to deliver plenty of power to the automatic transmission, which is designed to resemble the automatic shifting setup in a standard automobile. The ATV also handles extremely well due to its smaller size, unlike most four-person rides that can get a little tricky to steer in tight situations. Plus, the long-travel suspension helps provide a smoother ride, thanks to the 7.9 inches of travel in the front and 9.1 inches in the rear.

You might already be dying to take the Pioneer for a spin, but Honda didn’t stop at world-class handling and convertible seating to impress riders. The ATV comes in Honda’s classic red, as well as green and a new Honda-designed Phantom Camo design, giving you a few options to suit your style. In addition to colors, Honda will help ensure you can customize the Pioneer to fit your liking thanks to more than 50 different motorcycle accessories that will be offered as add-on features and gear when the bike is released to the general public. We’re not sure yet when the bike will be available, but Honda said it will release more details in May 2013.

2014 Honda Pioneer 700-4 Image Gallery

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Can-Am outdid itself with the release of the 2012 Outlander 1000XT, as this ATV received a few major overhauls that boosted its performance to the next level. The result is a powerful, fun-to-ride machine that boasts impressive performance and handling. Perhaps most remarkable about this model is its engine, but the full effect would not be as noticeable if it weren’t for the other tweaks Can-Am made to the 2012 model.

Technical Specs

The Outlander features a 976cc V-Twin engine with a 91 x 75mm bore and stroke as well as 80-degree cylinders that each have four valves. The motor churns out an impressive 82 horsepower, making it one of the more powerful ATVs on the market today. You can take full advantage of every ounce of power, thanks to the continuously variable transmission that provides High and Low ranges. You can gun it from a dead stop without holding anything back in the High range, or take a more modest approach by starting Low. If this is too much to handle, you can really ease into it with a secondary ignition key that limits the amount of available power until you’re ready to really let loose.

Unique Suspension

The Outlander features a Torsional Trailing Arm independent rear suspension. This helps the wheels move up and down while remaining oriented in a forward direction, much like the setup on the Polaris RZR XP as well as on the Can-Am Commander. With 9.3 inches of travel in the rear and another 9 inches in front, you don’t have to worry about clearing obstacles that stand in your way. However, the Outlander’s standard settings are designed for light riding, so you may need to fine tune the suspension before you attempt to ride hard or take on a more advanced trail.

Other Perks And Features

The appearance of the 2012 model is a bit different than that of years past, and you may notice there are larger headlights, making it easier to see where you’re going on late-night rides. The foot pegs inside the wells are also raised a bit, so you can get a better grip. You’ll be especially thankful when you’re using the full power of the engine as you enter a turn.

2012 Can-Am Outlander 1000XT Image Gallery

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Yamaha Rhino 700 FI Auto 4×4:
So Good It Hasn’t Been Changed In Years

Yamaha really nailed the side-by-side UTV with the Rhino, and after adding a fuel-injected, 686cc engine back in 2007, the ride has remained relatively unaltered. Why would you mess with such an impeccable ride anyway? This is especially great if you’re looking to buy a side-by-side, since you don’t have to buy a brand new 2013 model to get all the great features the Rhino has to offer. This all-utility UTV is tough enough to handle big jobs and haul large loads, while also being comfortable and fun to drive so you can cut loose when you’re off the clock.

Technical Specs

The four-stroke, single-cylinder engine is coupled with a continuously variable transmission, making it easy to utilize the torque and horsepower of this motor. There is enough power that it’s easy to pull a loaded UTV wagon. When you’re riding for fun, this power translates to a great, exciting time, especially because the Rhino can reach speeds of 40 miles per hour. The engine’s power is evenly distributed, making it a breeze to climb from a meandering speed to a faster pace.

Other features

If you are considering buying a new UTV, the 2012 Yamaha Rhino 700 4×4 has a few new features that help it stand out from the pack. Adjustable piggyback shocks, LED tail lights and a Baja-inspired front carry bar are just a few perks of the latest edition Rhino side-by-side. The ride also has extremely comfortable bucket seats with extra padding, so you won’t mind sitting in this UTV all day long. In fact, it’s so comfortable that you might not want to stop riding at the end of the day. This is especially true when you take into account the long travel of the suspension system, which makes it feel like you’re riding on a smooth surface, even when the trail gets bumpy.

Final Thoughts

The Rhino may not be the prettiest sight to see when it comes to UTVs, as it doesn’t take any design risks or try to make a statement with its overall look. The Rhino blends in with the side-by-side crowd from a distance, but once you get behind the wheel of this beats, you’ll forget all about its looks. Performance is the name of the game, and the Rhino is a real winner in that category.

2012 Yamaha Rhino 700 FI Auto 4×4 Image Gallery

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Kymco’s Maxxer 450i Sport ATV is a fun four-wheel experience for every rider, from beginners to seasoned pros.

The 2013 Kymco Maxxer 450i Sport ATV is a fun four-wheel experience for every rider, from beginners to seasoned pros. Not only is the ride fun to drive and great to take out on weekends, but it’s also extremely helpful for anyone who has off-road work to be done. The all-new Maxxer 450i is a step up from the 375 it replaced, with a larger engine that generates more power on the same chassis as the Maxxer 375. This helps to keep the overall weight down, allowing riders to fly around the trails with ease.

The Maxxer 450i was given a liquid-cooled, 443cc engine that gets roughly 33 horsepower, which is a marked improvement over the power output of the 375. Thanks to a new electronic fuel injection system, the engine runs smoothly. Riders should note that the engine has a habit of flooding if they’re not careful, but letting it warm up before tearing out into the wilderness can alleviate this issue. Once the ATV is ready and you hit the gas, you’ll want to hang on tight. The four-by-four has a powerful pickup that lets your rocket out from a dead stop. That acceleration doesn’t quit out as early on as the 375 model either, letting you experience the thrill of acceleration a bit longer.

The transmission for the 450i is rather impressive thanks to on-the-fly, push-button shifting in two- and four-wheel drive, and the electric start ensures you’ll have no trouble firing the ride up and getting to work. You’ll be quite comfortable while riding this ATV as well, since Kymco’s design team created an ergonomic seat design that makes it easy for riders to maneuver their bodies and adjust their weight as they take sharp turns or overpower obstacles in their path.

Perhaps one of the best features on this new ATV is the suspension. With independent dual A-arm setups for the front and rear axles, you’ll get up to seven inches of travel on each wheel, making it easy to traverse nearly any terrain. This comes in especially helpful when you’re towing a heavy load, as the Maxxer has a towing capacity just shy of 1,000 pounds. It even comes standard with a 2-inch receiving hitch, so there’s no need to go out and buy aftermarket accessories to turn this ATV into a workhorse for your next big project.

2013 Kymco Maxxer 450i Image Gallery

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Can-Am completely revamped the Renegade 800R for the 2012 model year, and since 2013 models are already hitting showrooms, this could be the ideal ATV if you’re hoping to find a used model. Designed as a sort of dual-sport/utility ATV, the Renegade provides a blend of rugged handling and superior performance that is tough to find in most rides. The Can-Am engineers used modern technology to create an ATV with the ability to race along an off-road track and also be able to help workers get tough jobs done.

In order to improve performance, the engineers who recreated the Renegade used computer-aided vehicle dynamics (CVAD) software to develop a new way of looking at the ATV chassis, according to ATVRiders.com. Using CVAD software, the designers came up with Geometric Contact Control, which not only improves driving performance, but makes the ride far more comfortable as well. In addition, the front suspension features a double A-arm with dive control, and the rear trailing torsional independent (TTI) suspension setup has also been redesigned.

The ATV features the 80-degree Rotax V-twin engine that can also be found in the Outlander 800R. The 799cc motor generates approximately 71 horsepower, and thanks to a 46mm throttle body and Siemens fuel injectors, you’ll find the Renegade has excellent throttle control at all times. The air box redesign was one of the major points for the 2012 Renegade – Can-Am repositioned this ATV part so it is higher up, helping prevent dirt, mud and other debris from clogging the air intake valve. Inside the box, there is a dual-room setup that is highly effective at filtering the air before allowing it to enter the engine. This can certainly help cut down on wear, which means less work for you in the long run.

When you do have to perform a tune-up, make a repair or even add on a ATV accessory, you’ll find it’s a piece of cake to get your hands where they need to go. The Renegade’s organization was retooled to protect parts and help you gain better access to them. The battery, solenoid starter, relays and brake fluid reserve have all been moved below the seat. Can-Am also redesigned the transmission, front lock differential and many other parts for an ATV that is sure to impress on the track or on the job.

2012 Can-Am Renegade 800R Image Gallery

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The 2013 Honda TRX90X may be the perfect ATV for kids to learn on.

The holidays may be over for 2012, but there is a whole new year of gift giving around the corner. If you have a young family member who’s been itching to hit the trails with you, the 2013 Honda TRX90X may be the perfect ATV for them to learn on. The low price tag is just one of the advantages you’ll have if you want to surprise your kid with a new ATV for his/her birthday, or for whatever holiday you are celebrating. Keep in mind that the TRX90X is aimed for riders 12 and older, and you’ll also want to make sure to get them some protective accessories like an ATV helmet and other riding gear so they’re safe while they ride.

While your ATV might have a manual transmission and a clutch to deal with, your kid will probably not be quite ready to have so much to worry about when they’re still figuring out how to handle the four-wheeler. Honda eliminates this concern by employing a semi-automatic transmission. They will still have to shift, but with a clutch-free system, this process will be much easier for them to get a handle on. When they’re ready to transition to a more complicated ATV, it will also be easier for them to get the clutch under control than if they had a fully automatic transmission.

In addition to the transmission, Honda also made it easy for kids to get out on the track with a push-button ignition that fires up the engine right away for quick starts. However, kids can’t just hop on the ATV and go without their parents’ knowledge. A keyed ignition lets you choose when you kid can go riding as well as who is allowed to use the bike. This is great if you’ve got younger kids who might want to follow in the footsteps of their older siblings, and the parental control doesn’t stop there.

There are adjustable throttle limiters that let you reign in the engine’s power output. You don’t want your kid to jump on the bike for the first time and floor it right out of the gate. Instead, this system allows you to gradually increase the throttle response so your kid can get used to riding the bike and learn how to do so correctly before you let them unleash the engine and tear around the track.

2013 Honda TRX90X Image Gallery

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